Northallerton Police v Broughton & Kirkby Hibs 9.3.14
We travelled to Broughton and Kirkby Hibs in the semi final of the Frank Bainbridge Division 1 cup.
We got off to a great start scoring after 3 mins when a David Cooke left wing cross was brought down by Sam Vernalls who shot home via the underside of the cross bar. The ball bounced back into play, however assistant referee Jonty Gill flagged to confirm the ball had crossed the goal line and referee Andy Foster awarded the goal.
We continued to have most of the possession, however, the Broughton defence held firm and gradually came more into the game with the midfield promptings of Paul Storey. He had the ball in the net after 23mins when he had a one on one with Police keeper Adam Cunningham. Cunningham reached the ball first but didn’t take it cleanly and Storey put the ball into the empty net only for referee Foster to disallow it adjudging Storey had kicked the ball out of the keepers hands.
Three minutes later Broughton were level when a high ball was called for by Cunningham, however, he dropped it and Chris Naisby slotted home the loose ball.
Two minutes later a Cooke corner was headed over by Nick Armstrong.
Two minutes later a Michael Gunnell left wing cross was headed just over by Scott Ryan.
Half time 1-1
Four mins into the second half a Ashley Mc Inerney left wing cross was headed goal wards by Jonny Morris and Hibs keeper Gareth Simpson made a fine one handed save to deny him a goal.
After 64mins Vernalls had the ball in the net only for it to be disallowed for a push by Gunnell in the build up.
Broughton hit back and Cunningham made a brilliant save from a Broughton forward.
Full time 1-1
Play was fairly even with defences being on top and a lot of tired legs out on the pitch and scoring chances at a premium.
On 93mins a Cooke left wing free kick was headed against the bar by Vernalls.
Half time extra time 1-1
On 109mins a long throw from Gunnell was headed on by Vernalls and Chris Walker scored with a diving header at the far post only for it to be disallowed for offside by assistant referee Mark De Cosemo.
With seven mins to go Police scored what proved to be the winner when a Cooke cross from the left was headed on by Ryan to Walker who volleyed it into the top corner.
Full time extra time 1-2
This was a hard fought semi final played in a good spirit and a great advert for the Combination.
